Post by billypilgrim on May 13, 2011 12:02:32 GMT -5

Whether you're a noob or a veteran, there are any number of factors at Bonnaroo that can impact your health -- the heat, long days, alcohol, etc. I know we have people on the boards that know a lot about health and safety. I'm hoping that they'll use this thread to give us some specific tips.

Post by ASTRAL on May 13, 2011 12:25:05 GMT -5

1) Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

Working first-aid in Montreal, I've had to physically pull people from raves who played with their friend molly and forgot to hydrate. If you plan on being any kind of intoxicated (corn included!) you gotta drink water. Make sure it's water, beer and caffeinated beverages don't count.

One of the issues with being intoxicated is that you forget your basic bodily needs. So hydrate beforehand if it's that big of an issue.

2) Don't treat bonnaroo as a testing ground for things. Unless you live in a cramped trailer park (read: wooks) or in the woods, Roo is an unfamiliar setting. If you haven't tried it before, don't try it at Roo.

3) Don't touch those balloons on shakedown street. You're safer shoving fashionable powders up your nose than you are playing with that stuff. It cuts off oxygen to your brain. How else do you think wooks got to be like that.

4) Bring a couple pairs of wool socks. As a backpacker, I know that after a rainy day, all you want to do is get your feet warm and dry. Wool socks do that faster and better than anything else, ever.The happier your feet are, the happier you are!

Post by quacker on May 13, 2011 12:26:13 GMT -5

If you can't handle copious amounts of sun, get to the stages early for daytime sets to stake out some shade. The afternoon sets can be brutal. I'm a sun worshipper and still felt like an ant under a magnifying glass at JBT last year.

Post by ASTRAL on May 13, 2011 12:40:49 GMT -5

Another BIGGIE!

Have a first aid kit in your car. Make sure it's been stocked recently.

Things to have in it:Band-aids of multiple sizes (and colours if that's your thing)sterile gauzepaper towel/serviettesDumDums (sometimes all you need is sugar)Antibiotic OintmentHydrocortisone Cream (Anti-Itch for skin irritation and bug bites)Pair of exam gloves (go for the nitrile ones)Alcohol wipesPurellBottle of water

And if youre so inclined:A pair of scissors (always comes in handy)an Ace Bandagecloth for making a sling/binding a splintCigarettes and a Lighter (always nice to have in a pinch)

Post by katbur2 on May 13, 2011 13:16:20 GMT -5

Another silly reminder...eat something!

It gets hot and you don't feel like you're hungry so you don't eat and then when you least expect it you feel it. If you're not feeling hungry at least try to get a little protein into your system. Trust me, I missed most of Krauss/Plant in 2008 as I started to crash.

Post by zenfnp on May 13, 2011 13:24:31 GMT -5

2. sunscreen....I don't care whether you are descended from a Norse god, you will be in the sun for a large part of 4-5 days. A sunburn is a great way to ruin your weekend.

3. Beware of the "Bonna Rash"...there are threads dedicated to this. Basically some kind of contact dermatitis, some of think it's a reaction to the pesticides, etc. that are used.Basically, covering your feet works...if you don't cover or if your feet/legs break out, your first line of defense is hydrocortisone 1% cream (over the counter and should be part of your first aid kit), and ibuprofen or similar.

4. VERY important: if you decide to imbibe in party favors, especially those with a reputation for getting one "pumped up"....be aware that they increase your whole metabolic rate. This includes heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, etc. Combined with the heat this can be dangerous....see #1 and stay hydrated.Also if you have a history of high blood pressure, heart trouble, respiratory trouble, etc....just don't even go there. Staying up and raving is not worth not waking up after you finally do go to sleep.

5. Again, on the subject of party favors and alcohol...don't accept or buy anything from anyone that you don't know. It's probably OK, but what if it isn't?

6. If you are on prescription medications make sure that you bring enough and that they are properly stored (i.e. refrigerated if necessary).

7. Take care of your feet. Especially if you are diabetic. If you are diabetic, please get someone to help you look at your feet daily because little blisters, etc that would just be an annoyance to other people can be a game-changer for you.

8. The first aid kit is essential. I will be back later at some point with a list of what I typically put in my kit.

9. Last but not least...have fun, but be aware of your surroundings. Make friends, plenty of them. But remember that as much as you make think you are bullet proof and invincible, you are not. If you think that way, then you likely have just been blessed with very good luck so far....and you never know how long that will last.

10. OK I lied. one more thing. Make sure that you carry on you something with your name, emergency contact information and any drug allergies. sounds like overkill but I have had one too many patients show up in the ER critical with nothing on them. this can be on an index card in your pack, or on your cellphone if you carry one. Try to buddy up with at least one other person and you check on one another every so often.

Post by Scrog on May 13, 2011 14:07:45 GMT -5

Do not party too hard. Pace yourself. "Yeah I am sure you can finish that(plastic) bottle of Jim Beam, but it is only 1:00 in the afternoon."

If you do not know what it is, do not take it! KNOW WHAT YOU PUT INTO YOUR BODY!!!

Some party favors will speed up your metabolism, in turn raise your internal body temperature, in these conditions, that could lead to your body becoming too HOT and shutting down, This can be LETHAL! IT can KILL YOU!

Post by Mike D on May 13, 2011 14:08:54 GMT -5

If your finger/toe nails need to be trimmed, do so about a week in advance. Fresh cut nails are a lot more susceptible to bacteria and fungal infections. Cut your nails as close to straight across as possible to avoid ingrown nails. Cutting your nails right after a shower will make for a smoother edge.

Start hydrating a few days in advance. I don't know the exact time frame, but it takes water roughly 12-18 hours to go from your mouth to all of your muscles. If you have stopped sweating, it is already too late. A good starting point is to drink about a gallon of water two days in advance, then two gallons the day before.

Even after a sunburn, put on sunscreen. Although it won't make it go away, it will be a lot more bearable. It is a good idea to put on sunscreen BEFORE you arrive. In my three years of Bonnaroo, the only time I have ever got a sunburn was waiting in line on the interstate. The vehicle's A/C will keep you cool, but even tinted windows won't do much for several hours of sun.

Don't rely on sports drinks to keep you hydrated. You should be drinking just as much water as powerade, gatorade, whatever if you do.

A huge +1 for wool socks. Throughout many many years of hiking and camping, this is something that I do not leave home without. Wool socks dry out quicker than cotton and draw moisture away from your feet while wearing them. Yes they can be itchy to some, but try this out - cotton socks first, then put on wool socks over, then your shoes/boots, you will have some of the happiest feet there, trust me.

Bring bandaids, tape, and moleskin for blisters. You will be doing a ton of walking and standing, you will end up with some sort of blister or callas at some point.

DON'T BRING NEW SHOES!!!!!!! Especially crocks or similar rubbery sandal type things. If you bought em just for Roo wear them as many times as you can beforehand. 2 years ago I got a pair of Crocks for Roo cause hey, they are like sandals, but a mostly covered toe and have drain holes, I never have to take these things off!! Wrong. I walked from my camp to Centeroo once and din't want to walk back my feet hurt so bad and were already bleeding from rubbing my skin. Luckily I had my trusty foot first aid kit (and no I am not joking) at camp, so after I got back, patched myself up, put on some socks, then wool socks, then hiking boots I was walking faster than anyone in my group with no issues at all and had much more energy and spring in my step. "But its Bonnaroo, you should have sandals and summertime footwear or hippie shoes on", bullhonkey. In my opinion the exception to the rule is my pair of Carpe DM's. I put those on and wore em for days with no rubbing or blisters or anything. If your feet get wet change into dry footwear as soon as possible as the skin on wet feet will tear/blister a heck of a lot easier than when dry.

Post by icantenough on May 13, 2011 18:35:43 GMT -5

one thing i havent seen mentioned is to be aware of chaffing. I had a friend eat some corn and go wading in the fountain, then run around all day... when he got back to camp he had no skin on the inside of his thighs and spent the rest of Roo at camp unable to walk.i know a lot of people are enticed by the sweltering heat to skip through the beckoning mushroom fountain, but don't do it unless you have some other dry clothes or you are wearing a bathing suit.

Post by OldLadyRoo on May 13, 2011 19:58:01 GMT -5

Hello Possums! I am a mama and, in addition to all of the things noted here -- please, please be sure to have a plan to find your way back to camp. On the card you keep with your name, etc., also list the phone number of the people you are traveling with so they can come to your aid if you are out-of-it. Once you make camp, find your way to Centeroo while you are sober and make note (in your head or write it down) of landmarks and where to turn left, right, whatever. My son volunteered at the info desk one year and dealt with a whole bunch of sorry boys and girls who lost their friends, phones and camps.

Yeah, and carry a little sample size gold-bond with you at all times. As mentioned, the walk back to BFE is long if you are chaffing. In an extreme pinch, find some chapstick and rub that on liberally. Be safe and have fun!

Post by cursedlono on May 13, 2011 21:05:48 GMT -5

If you are drinking because you are thirsty you are already dehydrated. If you go a long time without peeing you are dehydrated. There is water constantly gong out of your skin keep drinking. Getting drunk during the day will destroy you save it for nightime.

Post by Ellie on May 13, 2011 22:04:11 GMT -5

If you are drinking because you are thirsty you are already dehydrated. If you go a long time without peeing you are dehydrated. There is water constantly gong out of your skin keep drinking. Getting drunk during the day will destroy you save it for nightime.

GREAT advice, everyone! A few things in there I didn't think of. Thanks!!

Post by iowaherkeye on May 14, 2011 0:09:17 GMT -5

If you are drinking because you are thirsty you are already dehydrated. If you go a long time without peeing you are dehydrated. There is water constantly gong out of your skin keep drinking. Getting drunk during the day will destroy you save it for nightime.

Agreed. Also, pay attention to the color of your pee (may be a little harder to do for the ladies). Amber or yellow means you're dehydrated. Clear pee is best, but pale straw is good as well.

Maybe bring some multi-vitamins, or at the very least some B vitamins. You'll be sweating them out, so it'd be good to replace them.

Post by LoveLuckLaughter on May 14, 2011 0:14:03 GMT -5

And not to beat a dead horse, but I fear that there is a misconception about HOW much is enough hydration in these circumstances. We aren't talking your typical 8-10 glasses of water a day here.

During times of heat and excertion, you should be consuming 16 ounces (one bottle) of fluids an hour while you are out in the heat! That means a 48oz camal bak should only last you 3 hours. You should be supplementing electrolyte rich fluids such as Gatorade with your water, and eating salty snacks throughout the day because you are not only losing water in the heat, you are also losing salts. Too much water mixed with not enough salt can trigger an imbalance of electrolytes that could cause confusion and worse.

Wear a hat, bring an umbrella for shade find a tree or a very tall stranger (I've heard NoD is like 6 foot 5, he would make great shade).

Use the medical tents, they have all kinds of great stuff in there to help you out from breathing treatments to IV's if needed.

Sleep, rest, take it easy some of the day. Bring a face mask and ear plugs. Your body will thank you for it by Saturday.

Bring condoms. I've heard plenty of talk from people that Roo isn't the place to hook up, but let's be honest. If you're feeling fly and the music is right and some hottie comes along and you hit it off at late night, lovin' might happen. You think that Bonnarash is bad? Wait until the Bonnadrip hits a week or two later

Post by ASTRAL on May 14, 2011 0:31:01 GMT -5

If you are drinking because you are thirsty you are already dehydrated. If you go a long time without peeing you are dehydrated. There is water constantly gong out of your skin keep drinking. Getting drunk during the day will destroy you save it for nightime.

Agreed. Also, pay attention to the color of your pee (may be a little harder to do for the ladies). Amber or yellow means you're dehydrated. Clear pee is best, but pale straw is good as well.

Maybe bring some multi-vitamins, or at the very least some B vitamins. You'll be sweating them out, so it'd be good to replace them.

Clear pee AND vitamin B? How are you not overhydrated?!

Really though, If you drink a 5hr energy, don't expect your pee to be clear or straw coloured.

Vitamin B is a great alternative to caffeine. Supplement Vit. B-6 and B-12 and water for caffeine and you'll be more energetic without crashing.

LoveLuckLaughter was right on the money. Get a liter of water down every 2-2.5 hrs and you should be in the clear. Grab shade whenever possible.

Post by ASTRAL on May 14, 2011 0:35:18 GMT -5

Also, this one is from many a painful previous experience:If it's already chafed and chapped DO NOT put Gold Bond on it. The stuff will act like an irritant. Instead, grab that hydrocortisone cream.

I, personally, use Body Glide to prevent chafing. It doesn't have to be reapplied all that much and you cant sweat it off. And best of all, it's in one of those deodorant stick forms, so applying it is way easier, less messy, and helps you to hold onto what little dignity you have left for just a bit longer.

Post by zenfnp on May 14, 2011 0:55:37 GMT -5

for chafing there is some amazing stuff called Calmoseptine. I would recommend bringing some if you can find it, its over the counter. I will be bringing a few sample packs of it in my first aid kit, as the manufacturers send me a few periodically.

Post by iowaherkeye on May 14, 2011 1:34:37 GMT -5

Also, this one is from many a painful previous experience:If it's already chafed and chapped DO NOT put Gold Bond on it. The stuff will act like an irritant. Instead, grab that hydrocortisone cream.

I, personally, use Body Glide to prevent chafing. It doesn't have to be reapplied all that much and you cant sweat it off. And best of all, it's in one of those deodorant stick forms, so applying it is way easier, less messy, and helps you to hold onto what little dignity you have left for just a bit longer.

As far as the body glide goes, make sure you keep it shaded or in the cooler. That jazz was sitting in the tent last year, but in direct sunlight. Not a good result.

Post by Scrog on May 14, 2011 1:52:52 GMT -5

if I have room:couple bags of IV fluid, some tubing and a couple of IV catheters. (not for amateurs)

You and LLL could set up your own medical tent. She's bringing the same stuff.

HaHa! all RNs think a like! Got some 20g, some 18g, and 16g, for that special someone. LR, the base for Gatorade, and NS are also in my First Aid bags, along with ace bandages, rolls of gauze, Kerlex, tape, and everything else already listed, and tampons. I need a dermabound pen and a suture needles/ and line, and with that we could open our own BonnaroostER